Southern Arizona has many things working in its favor: a
desirable climate, breathtaking natural beauty, a world-class
university and a highly skilled workforce. But without true
regionalism in which every city and town is allowed to set its own
course for success to the benefit of all who live here, Pima County
will fall short of its limitless potential.

That’s why the Town of Marana recently worked with members of
the Southern Arizona delegation to introduce a bill at the Arizona
State Legislature that would have a positive effect on our region.
Senate Bill 1171 is all about water, which is necessary to create
quality jobs for local citizens. Marana sits atop a rising aquifer
and must ensure its long-term sustainability for its residents and
businesses. Owning and operating an efficient wastewater system is
required to guarantee that sustainability.

Even though we don’t often think about it, wastewater is a major
part of our region’s future. State law requires that every gallon
of water pumped from the ground be replaced by another gallon of
available water resource. That’s where effluent comes into play.
Using effluent helps municipalities avoid paying large sums to
acquire water from other sources, keeping residents’ and business
owners’ monthly bills affordable.

SB 1171 would transfer to the town pipes located in Marana that
were already paid for by Marana citizens and businesses. While
Maricopa County Superior Court has already awarded the town most of
the pipes within its boundaries, the bill would finalize that
transfer and allow Marana to take ownership of a wastewater plant
that serves only its citizens. The bill also requires the town to
pay any debt associated with that treatment facility, ensuring
there is no additional cost to Pima County ratepayers.

Without this legislation, Marana would be required to purchase
pipes that Pima County never paid for and a plant that the county’s
citizens have already funded through fees charged whenever a new
home or business is built in the region.

SB 1171 would give Marana the same rights as every other city
and town in the state outside of Pima County. Marana would be able
to construct additional plants and pipes throughout the community
that would facilitate economic growth and job creation in a time
that such activity is desperately needed by our state. The town has
conducted multiple studies that prove there’s an alternative to
Pima County’s rapidly rising sewer rates and ensure a competitive
business climate for our region’s future.

Pima County has provided sewer service to Marana by contract
since 1979 and has mismanaged the existing system, even drawing the
ire of federal and state regulatory agencies. The county faces a $1
billion bill to bring both of its regional plants into compliance
with federal regulations while, at the same time, wasting enough
water resource to serve 90,000 homes every year by sending effluent
down the Santa Cruz River into Pinal County. After years of failing
to properly plan for maintenance and improvements, the county is
funding these necessary upgrades by charging astronomically higher
rates for sewer service. In a time of economic crisis, many
citizens across Pima County are paying more for the wastewater
portion of their bills than what they are charged for drinking
water, our most precious resource. This type of mismanagement is
unacceptable and our citizens deserve better.

SB 1171 would allow Marana to operate an efficient wastewater
system for its residents and businesses so that they can create an
atmosphere of economic prosperity. Every city and town must be able
to determine its own future in a practical and responsible manner.
That’s all Marana wants, and those goals can be reached to the
benefit of the entire region.